If I was looking to spend in your price range, I'd go for one of the set neck Telecasters.

Personally, I find them to be a "best of both worlds" guitar and last time I saw one, it was right around $600.

But definately shop around, check out a lot of guitars (checked the "used" rack -- a lot of good deals can be found there) and remember that just because one guitar of a certain make and model plays and sounds one way that the rest of them will be identical.